Evaluation of a Disaster‐Surge Training for Public Health Nurses

Abstract

To examine the effect of a blended educational intervention (in-class and independent learning modules) developed to enhance Ohio PHN confidence in 25 disaster surge competencies that address the PHN role and skills in Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. This was a quasi-experimental one group pre and post design. Participants (N=54) completed pre- and postintervention surveys to evaluate intervention impact on self-perceived confidence and need for further training in the 25 competencies. Parallel pre and post surveys assessed participant evaluation of confidence and need for further competency training. Paired t tests and repeated measures ANOVA compared pre- and postsurvey results. Confidence in Preparedness, Response, and Recovery PHN disaster surge competencies significantly increased, whereas self-perceived need for further competency training correspondingly significantly decreased. A blended learning approach to disaster surge training effectively improved PHNs confidence in competency achievement and reduced perceived need for further training.